Music City Center and Caesars Entertainment Give Back
May 23, 2022
While the trade show and meetings industry continues its steady path toward recovery, some event-related organizations remain committed to making sure that those less fortunate within the communities they operate aren’t left behind. Check out two event industry entities who recently went the extra mile to make a difference in their home cities and beyond.
Music City Center
Nashville’s Music City Center, in partnership with Sodexo Live! and Nestlé, recently donated 150 gallons of soup to The Nashville Food Project, a nonprofit organization that brings people together to grow, cook and share nourishing food to help alleviate hunger in the Nashville community.
Known as “The Big Soup,” the donation provided 1,500 servings of chicken noodle soup that helped support more than 20 community groups that partner with The Nashville Food Project in the greater Nashville area.
According to Music City Center officials, this is the second year the venue’s culinary team has collaborated with the nonprofit organization on this project. In September 2021, Music City Center and its partners donated another 150 gallons of soup to The Nashville Food Project.
“We are extremely fortunate to partner with such amazing organizations and give back to our community in this way,” said Charles Starks, president and CEO of Music City Center. “By combining our talents and resources, we’re able to better serve our neighbors in need, and we’re proud to do so.”
Freshly prepared and chilled in the Music City Center kitchen by the facility’s culinary team, the soup’s creation was a collaborative effort, with Nestlé providing seven cases of base ingredients and the venue providing the other ingredients, as well as bowls and spoons. The 30-gallon buckets used to transport the soup were then picked up by The Nashville Food Project.
“Every day, The Nashville Food Project works to ensure all of our neighbors have access to the food they want and need,” said Bianca Morton, chef and director of meals for The Nashville Food Project. “Thanks to Music City Center, Sodexo Live! and Nestlé, we can share good food with thousands across our city.”
Check out a video of “The Big Soup” preparation and donation in action at Music City Center here.
Caesars Foundation
Caesars Entertainment recently made $3.3 million in donations to dozens of national and local nonprofit organizations through the company’s corporate giving platform, the Caesars Foundation.
This year’s donation recipients include a first-ever partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America, Meals on Wheels (for the 20th consecutive year) and longtime partners including Clean the World Foundation; International Center for Responsible Gaming; National Park Trust, Public Education Foundation; Second Wind Dreams; and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
According to Caesars Entertainment officials, financial gifts from the Foundation focus on nonprofit organizations working to address key issues that align with the company’s core values, including responsible gaming, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.
“At Caesars Entertainment, we’re focused on giving back to the communities where our guests and team members live, work and play,” said Heather Rapp, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at Caesars Entertainment. “These funds will provide critical support for communities and programs in need across the U.S.”
Funded by the resorts Caesars Entertainment owns or operates, the Caesars Foundation is dedicated to supporting the communities in which the company operates with an ongoing commitment to economic development while improving the quality of life of team members and their families, the community and society at large.
Have an inspiring give-back story to share? Reach out to lpsavas@tsnn.com.
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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